Controversial plans to build Doncaster children’s home given green light

Published:13:21Thursday 27 August 2015

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Plans to convert a residential property in a Doncaster village into a children’s care home have been given the go ahead, despite heated opposition from residents.

Members of Doncaster Council’s planning committee have approved plans for a detached house in Paxton Crescent, Armthorpe to be converted into a care home for children.

Applicant In Safe Hands Care Ltd will provide 24-hour care at the property for up to three children at any one time, who are aged between eight and 17 years-old.

The firm will re-locate from its current premises in Armthorpe.

Doncaster Council received several objections to the application, with many saying they are worried that the addition of a children’s care home could ‘devalue’ neighbouring properties.

In one letter sent to the council, a resident stated: “I would like to know if this project goes ahead will this result in the devalue of my property with only being a stone (sic) throw away?”

They continued: “I do agree these children are entitled to a secure happy environment but housing them in this property I do not feel this is the right place due to the shortage of land.”

Residents also complained about the ‘minimal amount’ of consultation undertaken by the local authority in the vicinity of the application site.

In Safe Hands Care Ltd currently runs the same operation from a different address in Armthorpe, and have requested the move to Paxton Crescent because having the children’s care home located in a detached property was felt to be more appropriate, company director Terry Carr told the meeting.

In response to complaints from residents, Mr Carr said: “We want to be able to bring the children we look after up in a warm and loving environment.

“I think if you live in a community you can make a positive contribution, and that’s what we want them to be able to do here.

“In the three years we have been based in Armthorpe there has been no rise in crime.”

Armthorpe Parish Council raised concerns about the lack of garden space available for the children at the property, and recommended that a temporary 12 month license should be given to the home, whilst concerns were addressed.